Enjoy delicious Thai food menu, meet others committed to peace, and support the work of PEACE Iowa. We choose this day to celebrate the birth of a champion of Peace causes, Martin Luther King, Jr. Thai Flavors will donate a portion of their dine-in sales to PEACE Iowa on Monday January 21, 11:00-2:00 and 5:00-9:00. This is dine-in only, take-out and delivery sales are not part of the fundraiser.

Veterans for Peace is sponsoringa peace vigil on New Year's Day
to express our hope and determinationto work for a more peaceful world in 2019

Tuesday, January 1, 6:00 to 6:30 pm
east side of the Pentacrest
Clinton Street at Iowa Avenue in Iowa City

Armistice Day Observance

Sunday, November 11th, 10:45 AMEastside of the Pentacrestsponsored by Veterans For Peace Chapter #161

Armistice Day is a day to promote peace and to
remember the victims of warboth veterans and civilians.
Bells will be rung at 11:00 AM, as they were
rung around the world at the end of the
Great War, 100 years ago.

The event is free, and the public is welcome
More information at vfp161.org
Observance attendees are invited to a free lunch,
socializing and Open Mic at Old Brick, 26 E. Market Street
immediately after the public Observance, ends @2PM

Abraham's Walk #2

Iowa City, IA – At 12:30 pm on Saturday October 13th, all Iowans are invited to gather to participate in Abraham’s Walk #2 to bring awareness & raise funds for service organizations whose programs are vital to meeting the diverse needs of our community. This event, co-sponsored by Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, the UI Center for Human Rights, and the Iowa UNA, builds on the success of the first Abraham’s Walk which took place in January 2017.

Why now? This year marks the 70th anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, many in our community still face intolerable challenges. Participants of the event will take steps to ensure members of Iowa City's diverse population not only feel welcome here, but enjoy their human rights to safe refuge, a living wage, affordable housing, health care, and food all within a life supporting environment.

Event Summary. Participants will meet at Big Grove Brewery for an opening rally where service organization representatives will be available to talk about the role and status of several Iowa City service organizations. Then they will walk along a 2-mile route with stops at local service organizations where representatives will talk with walkers about the importance of the vital services they provide to our community. Walking and talking together, walkers will recognize these service providers and determine ways each of us can assist them in raising their profile and support in the wider community. A small token of appreciation will be shared at each site.

Presentation by Mehrnaz Khanjani,Iranian doctoral student in the mass communication and journalism department at U Iowa:Iran Before and After the Islamic Revolution —
What the American Public Is Being Kept in the Dark About

Join us as we celebrate our work over the past year and enjoy good food, friends, and music.

For more information:

peaceiowa@gmail·com
3l9 354·l925
peaceiowa·org

This Friday presents a huge and unique opportunity for local peacemakers. 18,000 RAGBRAI riders will be in Iowa City on Friday, and the east entrance to the Pentacrest and Old Capitol will be filled with folks we rarely or never see.

Friday marks 65 years since the signing of the Korean War Armistice.

Trump and Bolton have issued blood-curdling threats to Iran this week. (List the reasons we should go to war with Iran: ZERO).

Children of recent immigrants are still separated from their parents, but Putin and Playboy bunnies have pushed that issue to page 5.

The humanitarian disaster in Yemen gets worse. Aside from exceptional reporting by Jane Ferguson on NPR, and references on commondreams.org, the story has been shoved to page 7 or out of sight, although US is aiding and abetting that war.

Israel has declared itself an apartheid state, and continues killing Gazans and West Bank Palestinians.

#45 will be in Iowa tomorrow. Anyone going? It is bound to be a topic on Friday.

PLEASE COME ON FRIDAY, even if for just 15 minutes.

Join us at the Johnson County Fair
At the Johnson County Fairgrounds on July 22nd through 25th

Come visit the Peoples' Coalition booth, and bring a friend or family member to learn about our mission, play some fun games and earn a treat! PEACE Iowa will be there along with Physicians for Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace Chapter 161, 100Grannies, and Iowa United Nations Association.

Join us at Thai Flavors!

Monday, July 9thfrom 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm

340 East Burlington St in Iowa City

The restaurant will be donating 10% of dine-in business to PEACE Iowa.

March for Peace!

Join us at 9am on July 4th to march in the Coralville 4th Fest!

The People's Coalition will again march in the Coralville July 4th parade. The coalition includes PEACE Iowa, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace, the Yahoo Drummers, and other groups. Anyone supporting peace, human rights, and sustainability is invited to walk with us.

This year's theme is "Coralville, Hub of Hospitality"which we are turning into "Make the World a Hub of Hospitality."

We are number 50 out of 123. That's the closest to the front we've ever been!

The truck and trailer must be in our entry place by 9 am in the GEICO/McGregor's/LiFEchurch parking lot. For walkers and drummers, park in the HyVee lot and walk on over to the Geico Lot on Hwy 6 at the western end of Coralville. Please be sure to arrive absolutely no later than 9:30 to be in place with all your things organized including your water and sunscreen for the 2 mile walking and talking and bouncing to the drums. It goes without saying, wear comfy shoes!

The Group in front of us will be the Dream Divas and Flip Squad and Forever Green will be behind us. Should be interesting! For more information:
Check out website at www.coralville.org/310/4thFest, for the parade route and all of the spectacular events planned for 4thFest!

Veterans For Peace Chapter 161is sponsoring an exhibit on the My Lai Massacre

The exhibit panels on the American War in Vietnam and the My Lai Massacre provide a lens to face up to the tragic impact of our political and military actions on the people of Vietnam. Exhibit panels explore how our governmental and military policies and practices were developed, nurtured, implemented and then covered up in a campaign that led to the killing of 2 million Vietnamese civilians during the course of the war.

This year is the fiftieth anniversary of the civilian massacre of My Lai, the Vietnamese village that was destroyed by US forces during the Vietnam War. The My Lai Memorial Exhibit honors the Vietnamese who died in what they refer to as the American War. It is a strong, anti-war response to the Pentagon's campaign and is a way of assuring that the Vietnam War does not slip down the memory hole.

The exhibit, which is traveling the whole country, is a critical element in fulfilling the Veterans For Peace mission — to seek justice for veterans and the victims of war, expose the true costs of war, and to work for peace.

Jim Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute and Board Member of Our Revolution, will speak about "America and the Arab World." Zogby has been a long time advocate for Arab Americans and served on the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2017. Bernie Sanders designated Zogby as one of his representatives to the DNC Unity Reform Commission to lessen the power of super-delegates and make other reforms to the Democratic party process.

Trumpet Blossom Cafe will be donating 20% of their sales (don't worry, you can still come and eat their lovely food even if you're not feeling tacos that night) from 5-9pm that night so bring friends and family to have a cocktail or some vegan food!

Workshop onNonviolent Activism

Understanding and Practicing Gandhi's Satyagrahaas a Method for Social ChangeNew Date: Saturday, February 24th1:00 to 5:00 pmWesley House

Facilitated by Karen Nichols—awardee of the PEACE Iowa scholarship to attend the Satyagraha Institute last summer—the event will take place on Saturday, February 10th, 1 to 5pm at the Wesley Foundation on 120 North Dubuque Street in Iowa City. Please call or email PEACE Iowa to register. There is no charge for this event.

Join us for our Annual Meeting
Saturday, September 30th
Lower City Park, Shelter 8
Iowa City

At noon, potluck and live music
1 pm speaker: Officer Andrew McKnight
Followed by presentation and business meeting

Bringing a dish to the potluck is appreciated but Not Required. More important is just having you as a part of the gathering. You can help by bringing your own reusable plates, cups, and utensils so that we can reduce waste as well as a food item to share if you can.

Speaker: Officer Andrew McKnight holds a B.S. and M.A. from the University of Iowa and serves as a lead instructor for Crisis Intervention Training in Johnson County. He is a patrol officer with the Iowa City Police Department and his specialty areas include Crisis Intervention and Crisis Negotiations. Andrew is also a Field Training Officer within the Department.

Music: Union City Band consists of Peter and Eileen Fisher, Shel and Ann Stromquist, and Jeanne Stoakes and will sing labor, antiwar, civil rights, and folk songs.

ALL ARE WELCOME! This is a great event for inviting potential members to learn more about Peace Iowa.

These events are wheelchair accessible. For more information,including details about available accommodationsplease contact us at ( 3l9 ) 354·l925 or E-mail <information[at]PEACEIowa·net>

This event, which is free and open to the public, is an Iowans for Palestine presentation, and is cosponsored by Veterans for Peace Chapter 161 and PEACE Iowa.Phyllis Bennis is on the Veterans for Peace national advisory board.For information, accessibility, or to help sponsor this event please contact Pat Minorat ( 319 ) 530·0255 or patminor51[at]gmail·comPlease contact Pat Minor prior to the event if you can help to defray event expenses. Fundraising at the ICPL at the time of the event is prohibited by Library rules.

PEACE Iowa at Soul Fest
August 4th & 5th
Downtown Iowa City

Stop by the PEACE Iowa booth at Soul Fest on Saturday for peace-related games and activities for both children and adults.

Spin the PEACE Wheel: Young children will be asked questions about responding to common situations in a peaceful way. Older children and adults will be asked about nonviolence in the Civil Rights Movement.

Test your knowledge: How much do you know about the continent of Africa?

This is our third year to host a booth at Soul Fest — a great opportunity to share about our work and mission. Bring a friend!

JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR
FAIRGROUNDS JULY 24TH thru 27TH
Please come visit the Peoples Coalition booth, and bring a friend or family member to learn about our mission, play some fun games and earn a treat! PEACE Iowa will be there along with Physician's for Social Responsibility and Veterans for Peace Chapter 161.

The People's Coalition is on the March Again
July 4th in the Coralville Parade

This year we march as members of the "Age of Consequences" urging everyone to clean and cool Mother Earth, our only home, to insure a livable future.

This year's theme is (of all things):Celebrating Coralville's Drive-In Theatre.

We (as those of us in the People's Coalition) are now officially entry #88. Steve has again agreed to drive his big biofuel driven truck and trailer, and the Yahoo Drummers are again on board. Now all we need is you! Physicians for Social Responsibility leads this effort and will have fans to pass out. Other participants in the coalition are the 100Grannies, Veterans For Peace, PEACE Iowa, and others (UICHR?). As usual, we invite all walkers and participants to join us for a hearty celebratory brunch at the near-by I-Hop. PSR Iowa will be focused on identifying how that era was the Age of Innocence vs. today's Age of Consequences and how, for a future, we need to work to cool and clean our only home.

As usual, awards will be given in the following categories:
Best Interpretation of Theme · Best Walking Group · Grand Marshal's Award · Most Patriotic

While we doubt we'll qualify for Most Patriotic, or the Grand Marshal's Award, let's see if we can be the best walking group, or have the best interpretation of the Theme! Please plan to walk with us, bring your friends, cousins, neighbors, your favorite banner or flag (as in peace flag, earth flag, etc). It's great exercise, a wonderful chance to interact with thousands of your neighbors, and it's just great fun to be accompanied by the drummers, and/or talk with all the other marchers or those riding on the trailer.

Find general information regarding the parade online www.coralville.org/422/Parade. Staging area is at the GEICO, McGregor's LiFE church parking lot at the West End of Hwy 6 in Coralville so you can find us. Please plan to get there and get oriented by 9:30 latest--help us decorate Steve's truck and trailer. Bring sun screen and your water bottle and plan to have a good time!

Fundraiser!Monday, June 5th

Thai Flavors—340 Burlington Street in Iowa City—will donate a portion of their salesduring lunch (11 am to 2 pm) and dinner (5 to 9 pm) on Monday, June 5th to PEACE Iowa.

"Anger and hatred, they destroy inner peace. Compassion, forgiveness, a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, contentment, self-discipline, these are the basis of peace—both external peace and inner mental peace. Only through strengthening these inner good qualities can a genuine, lasting peace develop. This is what I mean by spiritual development. I sometimes also describe this as inner disarmament. In fact, in all levels of our existence—family life, social life, working life, and political life—inner disarmament is, above all, what humanity needs." —Essence of the Heart Sutra by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, pp. 6-7

How can we open our minds and hearts to those (and those parts of ourselves) with whom we disagree and whose behaviors we experience as unjust, violent, and hurtful? Can we resist their behaviors and their policies without demonizing them? How do we replace deeply ingrained habits of suspicion, aggression, dislike, and even hatred (and where do these habits come from, anyway?) with habits of respect, kindness, and compassion (and how are these habits developed)?

These are some of the questions that will be explored in this workshop. The importance of intention, pain and suffering, and practice will be emphasized. Participants will be encouraged to enter into this process with a light touch and a sense of humor, and will leave with practical suggestions for replacing harmful sets of habits with helpful ones.

This event is wheelchair accessible. For more information, including details about available accommodations, contact PEACE Iowa at 641·871·8506 or information@peaceiowa.net.

Fly Kites Not Drones

Armed drones and the idea of "risk-free warfare" is a growing danger to global peace and security. At this crucial time, it is vital that all who want to see a more just and peaceful world ensure that we don't allow armed drones to be out of sight, out of mind and out of control. So dust off your kites and launch them into the sky in an act of resistance to weaponized drones, and solidarity to those living under drones.

When: Sunday, March 19, 2017
from 2:00-4:00
Where: Hubbard Park (Directly south of the University of Iowa Memorial Union)

Bring your own kites, some kites will be provided or materials will be provided to make kites.
Free event, Everyone Welcome.

Sunday, March 19th
2 to 4 pm
Hubbard Park
Just south of the Iowa Memorial Union

Yes! That time of year has arrived again; time for peace groups, schools, mosques, churches and concerned citizen around the world to dust off your kites and launch them into the sky in an act of resistance to weaponized drones, and solidarity to those living under drones.

Killer drones have fast become the preferred weapon of choice for politicians who use them daily to conduct assassinations, execution without trial. A drone pilot is thousands of miles away, at the touch of a button and without judge or jury: people are executed. No right to a fair trial, no opportunity for legal defense or a chance to present evidence. Nearly 90% of people killed in recent drone strikes were not the target.

This global event coincides with Nao Roz, Persian New Year (21st of March), a traditional time for kite flying in Afghanistan.

A multireligious and multiethnic group in Iowa City and the surrounding community is planning a six-mile walk between five centers on Sunday, January 22. The goal is to celebrate diversity within our community, and all are welcome to participate. Walkers will assemble at noon at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City. A brief kick-off event will take place, then walkers will be on the move by 12:30 pm, walking to Hillel House for a short program there beginning at 1:00, then down Market St. to the IMU for a short program by the Muslim Student Association at 2:00, then along Park Street and up Grand to the LNACC for their short program at 3:00, and finally, heading over to St. Rafael for their program beginning at 4:15. People will finish up there by 5:00.

Why Abraham's Walk?

Known as "the Friend," Abraham is still remembered for his legendary welcome and kindness toward strangers, a tradition alive to this day in the Middle East and across the world.
We will talk and learn. We will share food, music and stories with members of our colorful and diverse community.

The event will be a manifestation of our equal humanity, of decency, compassion, empathy and willingness to help when any of us face dangers in everyday situations.

The walk will underscore our unified quest for a safe supportive community.

The Great War began 102 years ago and ended on November 11, 1918. November 11th has since been observed as Armistice Day.

An Armistice Day Observance will be held on Friday, November 11th at the Clinton Street entrance to the Old Capitol in Iowa City. Program will begin at 10:45 a.m. Bells will be rung at 11:00 a.m., as they were rung around the world at the end of the war.

Armistice Day is a day to promote peace and to remember the victims of war, both veterans and civilians. The event will feature Veterans for Peace from throughout the state of Iowa.

Attendees are invited to lunch, socializing, and open mike at Iowa City Public Library after the observance.

The event is free, and the public is welcome. For more information, call Ed at 3l9·62l·6766

Sponsored by Veterans for Peace Chapter #161 and PEACE Iowa.

This event is wheelchair accessible. If you need accommodations to attend, please contact us at 3l9·354·l925 to discuss your needs, or contact us by E-mail

Annie Tucker, director of the nonprofit,Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa,will speak on the topic,What is Restorative Justice?

at PEACE Iowa's Annual Meeting on October 8

Lower City Park, Shelter 8, 200 East Park Road, Iowa City

Noon to 3 pm
Potluck at noon
Program at 1 pm

Quoting Tucker: "Restorative justice gives members of the community, the victim, and the offender a chance to come together, hear each other's stories, and decide together what actions need to be taken to repair any harm done. The victim feels heard by the offender and can ask questions (e.g., Why did you choose our house to steal from?), which does not happen in the court system. The offender hears directly about the harm they caused and has an opportunity to take responsibility to the harmed person for their actions. The community can be strengthened when this happens. Also, often youth who are charged do not feel connected to the community. Meeting with the victim in a restorative justice context gives both a chance to feel more connected to each other and the community."

Annie Tucker is director of the nonprofit Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa. Holding an MA in Conflict Resolution from Antioch, Tucker has been mediating for 20 years in divorce and custody, small claims, and civil rights cases and is a mediator for the US Postal Service in employee-supervisor situations. In collaboration with the Johnson County Attorney's Office and Juvenile Court Services, Tucker has started a restorative justice conference program and co-trained the volunteer facilitators. She is a volunteer facilitator in the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) in Iowa prisons, co-facilitating three-day interactive workshops with inside facilitators.

Eat at Thai Flavors and a portion of the day's sales will go to PEACE Iowa!Enjoy a delicious meal and support PEACE — a win win!

Yotopia: Iowa's Farm Fresh Froyo
132 South Clinton Street, Iowa City
A portion of Yotopia's sales during the fundraiser hourswill go to support the work of PEACE Iowa.Please stop by and build your ultimate yogurt creation!

HELP STOP the BAKKEN !

When safety, soil, health, water and a
livable future are threatened, we must
rise up in the tradition of Gandhi, MLK,
and the Suffragettes
and stand for what is just.

Bring your own bag lunch and your reusable water bottle.To Pre-Register: Contact Dawn Jones, (3l9) 646—67l2
Please use the upper parking lot on East side of the church.

Definition: Nonviolent action uses techniques outside of institutionalized behavior
for social change that challenges an unjust power dynamic using methods of protest,
noncooperation, and intervention without the use or threat of injurious force. In essence,
people turn to nonviolent direct action after the institutionalized ways of settling
injustices are unsuccessful. (Please note: There are many non-arrestable supportive
roles that are essential in any ANVDA)

Paul Frank Cordaro, a former Roman Catholic priest, is a peace activist and co-founder of the Des Moines,
Iowa Catholic Worker group. He frequently gives lectures, attends protests and leads trainings on Civil
Disobedience, also known as "Arrestable Non-Violent Direct Action (ANVDA)." Over a 40 yr span Frank has
been arrested hundreds of times and has served a total of 6 years of jail time for his peace and justice
actions.

Julie Brown is a Des Moines Catholic Worker and a member of the Christian Peace Team (CPT) in Kurdistan
Iraq. Julie's activism started with the Occupy Wall Street movement in Des Moines over four years
ago. She joined the Catholic Worker in Des Moines and has done peace work in the West Bank of Palestine.
She is slated to return to Iraq mid-June. She is schooled in nonviolent activism both in the US and abroad.

Training is brought to you by 100Grannies for a Livable Future

Please call or email with questions or comments and please register with Dawn.

Dawn Jonesdawnj[at]netins.net(3l9) 646—67l2

Debra Deedjdee1027[at]aol.com(3l9) 354—5428

Miriam Kashiamiriam.kashia[at]gmail.com(3l9) 459—ll54

This workshop is FREE but donations are gratefully accepted.

This year Sunday, May 15th is a very special day as two of our yearly celebrations coincide: International Conscientious Objector Day and Symphony of Peace Prayers. We will meet for both ceremonies at the Peace Pole near the Iowa City Public Libary. In case of rain, we will meet at the ICPL meeting room E. Below are more details on each event. Bring your friends or family and participate for one or both of these inspiring and important peace celebrations!

1:30 pm

We will have an opportunity to honor those who refused to participate in war and exercised their right to choose NOT to kill.

For reasons of conscience, or in obedience to the commands of their religion, more than 40,000 young Americans made the sacrifice of leaving this country for Canada in order to avoid fighting in the Vietnam war. Another 5000 were given sanctuary in Sweden. President Carter gave an unconditional pardon to all of them, allowing them to return honorably to their homes. Ed Flaherty will host the event with speakers and a moment of silence to honor conscientious objectors past and present.

2:00 pm

Join hearts across the Globe in Prayers for Peace and Harmony, radiating Oneness, Love, and Joy! We will give voice to the Global Peace Prayer to send intentions of Peace and Love to all of Humanity and Nature! Nonreligious and open to all who seek world peace. Participants around the world will gather on this same day to enhance reverberations of peace! Check out the SOPP website for more information. Kathy Mitchell will lead the ceremony with songs and prayers. Feel free to bring a chair or two!

Ann Wright, one of three State Department officials who resigned in protest over the U.S. invasion of Iraq

This presentaion by Ann Wright — with Q&A — is sponsored by Iowa Veterans for Peace Chapter 161 and University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, and co-sponsored by PEACE Iowa, Iowa United Nations Association, 100 Grannies, and Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Celebration of Life: Gloria Williams, 1950-2016

Friends of Gloria Williams are invited to join in a community celebration of her passion, work, and life this Earth Day. There will be a potluck at Iowa City Park shelter #2 starting at 4 pm. Feel free to bring food, photos and memories to share of Gloria. Let us come together and honor her contribution to the earth and to our community.

Friday, April 22nd4 to 9 pm
Iowa City Park Shelter #2

Gloria was a freelance writer and photographer, but also a publisher and filmmaker, confronting environmental issues and injustice. She grew up in Iowa, graduating in 1981 from the University of Iowa with a degree in Broadcasting and Film. She worked as a trainer in video production for over 10 years, her background including experience in 16mm film in the 1980s. She lived in Europe for a time, and traveled through Mexico and Nepal. After receiving an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Iowa in 2008, she lived in Albuquerque for a year or so working for the West End Press and Más New Mexico, a bilingual paper. Back in Iowa in recent years she wrote for the small town papers, Riverside Current and Welman Advance, taking on topics such as Monsanto.

Gloria Williams, committed pacifist and defiant fighter for social justice, died leap year day in Iowa City after a struggle with cancer that had lasted years. She was 65.

A day to Fly Kites, Not Armed Drones. A Day to remember the message that Martin Luther King gave to the world on April 4, 1967 in the famous Riverside Speech. A day to remember the life of Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968. A day to participate with the world in Action on Military Spending. We all live under the same blue sky! Come and show your support!

Fly Kites Not Drones. The above-listed organizations invite you to join us as we fly kites in Hubbard Park to protest the use of weaponized drones by the United States and to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will be held on Monday, April 4, from 3:00-5:00, in Hubbard Park (Madison St., south of Iowa Memorial Union).

Weaponized drones have been operated or are currently being operated by the United States in at least eight countries around the world for the purpose of bombing strikes, surveillance, or to spot individual targets. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism estimates that between 5,000 and 7,500 persons have been killed by drones. Because of the secrecy of the drone program and the lack of oversight, it is difficult to determine how many civilians are included in this number, but estimates are that at least 760 to 1500 civilians have been killed in drone strikes. The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), passed by the US Congress in 2001, makes it likely that drone warfare will continue into the forseeable future.

As Iowans, we have a unique opportunity to express our opposition to this drone warfare. The 132nd Battalion of the Iowa Air National Guard (based at the Des Moines airport) now pilots Reaper drones that launch lethal strikes in even countries with whom the U. S. is not at war.

In his April 4, 1967 speech in Riverside Church, New York City, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." Tragically, on the same day one year later – April 4, 1968 -- Dr. King was assassinated. During our event at Hubbard Park we will read excerpts of Dr. King's Riverside speech and the speech he made in Memphis the night before his death.

The public is invited to join us in this demonstration for peace and commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bring your kites if you have them. We will bring extras.

This workshop with experienced peace-maker Chris Klug will eplore the process of balancing both individual and collective outer work with inner work in the effort to bring about a less violent, and more just and peaceful world. Throughout the process, the critical role of the relationship between means and ends as taught by Gandhi will be highlighted. Participants will be encouraged to enter into this process ith a light touch and a sense of humor, and will leave with practical suggestions for replacing harmful sets of habits with helpful ones. No prior experience with peace-making necessary! Come as you are Event is sponsored by PEACE Iowa and co-sponsored by UI Center for Human Rights.

PEACE Iowa Annual Meeting and Potluck

Saturday, October 3rd

Music and Sing-alongwith Pigs and Clover
Everyone is invited!
Iowa City City Park, Shelter 8

Noon to 1 pm —potluck and socializing, enjoying Matt and Jamie's music

1 to 3 pm —Overview of the year's activities, award presentations,Guest speaker, Newman Abuissa discussing the situation in Syria and the refugee crisis

McGovern and Rowley seek to raise the level of Iowans understanding of current national security issues. In light of Iowa's unique status as the first persidential caucus state, they will focus on tough questions that Iowans should ask of presidential candidates sweeping through the state.

Between them, Rowley and McGovern have 51 years of service in the highest levels of the FBI and CIA. McGovern is a retired CIA officer turned political activist. He was a CIA analyst from 1963 to 1990, and in the 1980s chaired National Intelligence Estimates and prepared the President's Daily Brief. Rowley, an Iowa native, is the retired FBI agent who blew the whistle after 9/11 on the FBI's failures. Rowley was one of three whistleblowers selected as TIME Magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002. She was also the first to receive the Sam Adams award in 2002, an award founded by McGovern which annually recognizes an intelligence professional who has taken a stand for integrity and ethics.

Since leaving the agencies, they have worked relentlessly for peace and justice.

Englert event sponsored by VFP, PSR, UI Lecutre Series and PEACE Iowa and more than 30 other organizations committed to justice and peace.

Steven Kanner
1959 to 2015

Citizen, spokesperson,
Vigilant voice of those marginalized
by those with controlling interests,
Proponent of positions to make right
policies of economicand environmental injustice,
Advocate for appropriate technologies,
Gravitational energy for drawing supporters
to a cause and for drawing people together
to rise up and rejoicein appreciation and celebration,
his was the voice that meant we mattered.

As of this date, Congressman Dave Loebsack is on the fence regarding the Nuclear Agreement that has been negotiated with Iran. This agreement is solid and necessary. It's been endorsed by Iran's neighbors, scientists, diplomats, generals, and most of the world. Please spend 1/2 hour in front of Dave Loebsack's office on the ped mall, insisting that he vote FOR the deal and voices LOUD support for it.

70th Anniversary of Hiroshima & Nagasaki:Is Abolition Possible?
Sunday, August 9th
Ashton House on the Iowa River820 Park Road in Iowa City

Join Iowa Physician's for Social Responsibility (Iowa PSR) for an all-day event on nuclear abolition. From 9:30am - 3:30pm: featuring expert speakers, audience activities and entertainment, and break out workshops followed at 4pm by a Bike Around the Bomb bike ride to demonstrate the physical space annihilated by the bomb. Help make sure it never happens again!

Sunday, July 12th3 to 5 pmUptown Bill's Coffeehouse730 South Dubuque StreetIowa City

Please join us in celebrating PEACE the best way we know how—with music! We are very lucky to have veteran musicians—BlueStem Trio and friends—perform a benefit concert in cozy Uptown Bill's Coffee House in Iowa City!

Listen to new twists on old folk and jazz standards, hear a few sambas and basa novas sung in Portuguese ( with guest artists Katia and Loren ) and an Italian mandolin piece. Be entertained with a comedy story from Loren and the ever popular sing-a-long at the end with peace song favorites! And that's just the music- there will also be food and drinks available and a opportunity to become a PEACE Iowa member

Suggested donation at the door, family friendly and handicap accessible, so please join Sunday afternoon July 12th—and spread the word!

Contact Virginia at <information[at]peaceiowa.net> with any questions.

Blue Stem Trio grew out of a swing jam in Iowa City. Loren and Margaret Brumm have played old time string band music in the area for over 20 years and are still active in Iowa City's Friends of Old Time Music. Tim Schulte plays in 4 other Big Band ensembles in the area.

March with the People's Coalition this July 4th in Coralville's Parade!

Meet at Coralville Geiko Parking Lot by 9:15 am — Group #54

When else, how else can you talk to thousands of people about your concerns for a livable planet, a planet energized by the sun and the wind, a planet free of nuclear weapons, a planet that respects the human rights of all its inhabitants, an economy that supports equity? When else can you so loudly and proudly proclaim, your love of books, not bombs—and be heard? If you are still making signs, developing your handouts, the official theme is: "Celebrating 50 Years of the Coralville Public Library."

Plan to be at the Coralville Geico Parking lot by 9:30 am absolute latest so you can locate us. Lots to do to get ready: greet all your friends, pick up or position your flag or banner, get your drum positioned, your basket loaded, and your sun screen applied!

Eat at Thai Flavors and a portion of the day's sales will go to PEACE Iowa!Enjoy a delicious meal and support PEACE — a win win!

International Conscientious Objector Day

Friday, May 15th
12 pmat the Peace Pole in the Iowa City Ped Mall

On May 15 ( International Conscientious Objectors Day ) we will have an opportunity to honor those who refused to participate in war. For reasons of conscience, or in obedience to the commands of Christ, more than 40,000 young Americans made the sacrifice of leaving their country for Canada in order to avoid fighting in the Vietnam war. Another 5000 were given sanctuary in Sweden. President Carter gave an unconditional pardon to all of them, allowing them to return honorably to their homes. On Friday, May 15, we will gather at noon at the Peace Pole in downtown Iowa City for 10 minutes of respectful silence to honor them, and their memory.

Contact Jeff Cox <jeffreyLcox1 @ gmail.com&gt for more information.

Devotay is offering a Benefit Sunday for PEACE Iowa on SUNDAY, APRIL 26th from 4PM to 9PM. This is a great opportunity to raise some money to fund all the work we do here at PEACE Iowa!

All you have to do is spread the word, make reservations anytime between 4 and 9 at 319.354.1001 – then come for delicious dinner!

Devotay will donate from 10% to 35% of the evening's sales to PEACE Iowa depending on how many people come in for dinner and how much they spend. Please help us get the word out, and don't forget to make reservations!

You are invited to an extraordinary traveling exhibitof 58 posters depicting boycottsfrom more than 20 movements from the 1950s to the present.

Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee

March 31 through April 11
Scattergood Friends School

Exhibit opening: Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm
Reception &amp: Program
Kathleen McQuillen, American Friends Service Committee, introducing the exhibit
Dr. Maureen McCue, Physicians for Social Responsibility, discussing Reading Economic and Social Status on the Body — the close relationship between health & human rights

Other events related to the exhibit:

April 4, 7:30 Viewing of The World According to Monsanto with a discussion moderated by Scattergood Friends School students.

April 9, 7:30 — Mary Swander, Iowa Poet Laureate and playwright, will moderate a discussion following staged readings from her plays Vang and Map of My Kingdom.

April 10, 7:30 — Ed Fallon, organizer of the Great March for Climate Action, Turning Passion in to Activism.

April 11, 2:00 — Katie Huerter, AFSC Middle East Peace-Building organizer, will moderate a panel of youth activists speaking about the power of youth-led activism.

Scattergood Friends School is located at 1951 Delta Ave., about 2 ½ miles east of West Branch. Follow Main St. east out of West Branch. Turn right on Delta to school.

Building a Mosaic of Peacein Israel-Palestine
and Bearing Witnessagainst Occupation and Injustice
with SUE DRAVIS

Sunday March 29th
2:00 PM
Iowa City Public Library
Meeting Room A

SUE DRAVIS, longtime peace and justice activist with the Presbyterian Church USA, discusses her recent trip to Palestine and the ongoing non-violent struggle against the occupation. She goes beyond the headlines to open our eyes to the quiet strength, courage and integrity of ordinary people living with injustice every day, and shows us unexpected glimmers of hope in a dark time.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This event is sponsored by People for Justice in Palestine ( www.iowapjp.us )

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Jason at 3l9-338-329O.

13th Annual Iowa UNANight of 1000 Dinners

Help raise awareness of violence against women and issues of women and the environment

Old Brick | Thursday, March 5th | Doors open at 6 p.m

Iowa UNA will be hosting the the thirteenth annual Night of 1,000 Dinner. The dinner will comprise of international cuisine from local restaurants. This years theme is Women and the Environment. There will be a panel of women at the event who will speak about the environment and the issues at hand. A silent art auction will also be held benefiting the U.N. Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls. Bring cash or checks if you want to participate.

Advanced tickets are $25 for community members and $10 for students.

Limited tickets will be available at the door and will be $30 for community members and $12 for students. Purchase your tickets NOW and reserve your chance to participate in a wonderful and inspiring evening!

This vigil is being held at the same time as a national rally is being held at Creech AFB (near Las Vegas). Renee Espenland, one of the "Creech 14" arrested there in 2009, will speak at the rally in Des Moines.

Carpooling from Iowa City: Meeting at 3:15pm at south end of Kohl's parking lot, near Coral Ridge Mall. Any questions, contact Ed via e-mail at flahertyem[at]q.com or phone at ( 3l9 ) 62l-6766.

Join us on Martin Luther King Day to support peace with like-minded folks while enjoying that great Thai cuisine. Bring your friends and join in on the spirit.

As they have at so many such fundraisers at their restaurant, Thai Flavors management will be offering a portion of their profits for the day to benefit PEACE Iowa. Thank you, Nid!

In recognition of the fact that peace building efforts are sometimes piecemeal, Veterans for Peace Chapter #161 is inviting people to join with a Peace Meal Community Outreach ...

Armistice Day Veterans for Peace luncheon

At the Unitarian Universalist Church basement
10 South Gilbert Street in Iowa City
11:30 am Tuesday, November 11thFollowing the 10:30 Armistice Day commemoration east of the Old Capitol
Free parking is available at the UI Credit Union parking lot

While you are there you can ask about being part of the Voices for Creative Nonviolence Duvet Project, which brings income to needy workers by having them produce bed covers that in turn bring warmth to a cold Afghan winter.

On Monday, November 10th enjoy delightful Thai cuisine at Thai Flavors with a bunch of like-minded folks, and a percentage of the day's sales will be donated to support Veterans for Peace Chapter #161!

Tuesday, October 7th
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Clinton Street sidewalk, east of Old Capitol in Iowa City

This marks the beginning of the 14th year of the US war in Afghanistan.

It also coincides with the election of a new Afghan president, and a decision to reduce US troops from 30,000 to approx. 10,000. That lower number is projected to stay in Afghanistan for up to ten years. Join us as we remember the costs of war from these first 13 years.

We will honor the dead, both Iowans and Afghans. We will consider how a true peace, with justice and opportunity for the Afghan people, can be achieved. Please join us for a half hour.

12:00 potluck and music by Blue Stem Trio ( Loren & Margaret Brumm and Tim Schulte )
1:00 - 3:00 meeting with special guest speaker Kathleen McQuillen, Iowa Program Director of the American Friends Service Committee. She will speak about:

- the U.S. military build-up in Iraq
- Syria
- the latest conflict in Israel-Palestine

There will be opportunities to ask her questions and to brainstorm and get her ideas about what we can do to respond to the current conflicts and violence in the world.

We will hold an election for new PEACE Iowa Board members.

Fighting in Gaza has made things unimaginable. Whole families have been killed, over 2,100 mostly innocent civilians dead, half a million made homeless, schools and hospitals are overwhelmed with catastrophic numbers of refugees and the wounded. Gaza's power and water infrastructure lie in ruins. The damages run into many billions of dollars.

The people of Iowa City and surrounding areas wish to come together to respond to this crisis.

Proceeds will go directly to the American Friends of UN Relief and Works Agency for Gaza families (USA UNRWA) and International Orthodox Christian Charities for Gaza Relief Fund (IOCC). Donations to these 501(c)(3) nonprofits are tax deductible.

Please join us for a special evening with Middle Eastern food and music in support of the Gaza relief effort. A spread will be offered featuring an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern hors d'oeuvres, vegetarian or chicken and grain entrées, and a variety of traditional desserts. Entertainment will feature work of Middle East poets.

RSVPs are still being accepted at <dinnergaza@mail.com> or by phone: ( 319 ) 333-5231. Please let us know how many adults and children will attend.

This event is sponsored by People for Justice in Palestine, Arab Student Association, First Mennonite Church (Iowa City), Iowa City Friends Meeting, the Iowa United Nations Association, PEACE Iowa, St. Raphael Orthodox Church, UI Amnesty International, the UI Center for Human Rights, UI Students for Human Rights, and Veterans for Peace Chapters #161 and #169.

For more information, please contact Yaser at ( 319 ) 333-5231. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. all University of Iowa events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Yaser at ( 319 ) 333-5231.

International Day of Peace
to be celebrated on the Ped Mall

Sunday, September 21st
4:00 pm
Ped Mall in downtown Iowa City

Please join us for the first Campaign for Nonviolence Event.

There will be many organizations involved including Veterans for Peace, PEACE Iowa, Dancers for Universal Peace, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and several faith groups.

Come help us celebrate the ways of non-harming towards self, others and our world.

We hope you can join the Climate Marchers as they cross Johnson County.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

1:30 p.m. - Community welcome in Tiffin. Meet the marchers as they enter Tiffin and stop for ice cream at Jon's Ice-Cream Store. Residents are encouraged to bring lunch for the marchers and themselves. Following lunch, the marchers will follow Highway 6 to the Coralville Public Library.

5 p.m. - Casserole potluck at Coralville Public Library. Welcome the Great March for Climate Action in meeting room A of the Coralville Public Library. Sign up here to bring a casserole to share.

6:30 p.m. - Climate Literacy Fair. Hosted in meeting room A of the Coralville Public Library, this will be an open mic and showcase event of all things sustainable in Johnson County. Topics and displays, such as solar homes, carbon capture, environmental justice, and more, will be showcased. Organizations with exhibits will include Soilmates, Take a Kid Outdoors, Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Eagle Point Solar, 100 Grannies, and many more. If your organization is interested in participating, emailemily.monroe13@gmail.com to reserve a table.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

8:30-10 a.m. - Local Burrito Breakfast at New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville. Fuel up at New Pioneer Co-op with Local Burrito before the march into Iowa City. Free breakfast burritos made with locally donated ingredients will be available to all registered day-marchers (register here) and for sale to all.

10 a.m. - March from New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville to downtown Iowa City. Marchers are welcome to bring signs to display along the march route.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Iowa City Climate March Rally in the Ped Mall. Marchers and audiences members will have the opportunity to speak and listen to stories and experiences, including local Iowa City activist Miriam Kashia of the 100 Grannies, as she passes through on her journey across the country.

5:30 p.m. - Unitarian Universalist-sponsored potluck, at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 10 S. Gilbert St. in Iowa City. A potluck dinner for community and marchers will be hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Society.

7 p.m. - Join a Citizen's Hearing at the Iowa City Public Library on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed plan to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants. Testimony will be received by Peter Thorne, UI professor of occupational and environmental health and member of the EPA's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Maureen McCue, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, will present a briefing of the proposed rule, followed by an opportunity for public comment. David Osterberg, Iowa Policy Project, and the Rev. Susan Guy, Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, will also be present.

Thursday, Aug. 21

7 to 7:30 a.m. - March from Coollege Green Park to Earth Source Gardens and West Branch. Marchers will meet at College Green Park in Iowa City for a final send-off. Local supporters can also offer final well wishes at Earth Source Gardens, northeast corner of Rochester Avenue and Scott Boulevard in Iowa City, or continue the march to Scattergood Friends School in West Branch, where a Monarch Move Event is planned. This event encourages the planting of essential pollinator habitat and preservation of the "dance of life" for pollinators, people, and the planet. To sign up for the day, visit www.climatemarch.org/join-the-march.

This rally is organized by Yaser AbuDabba, 27-year Iowa resident, who had two cousins & great-aunt killed in Gaza last week.

Every Friday from 4:30 to 5PM, we continue the 10-year+ peace rally at the SE corner of the Pentacrest ( Clinton & Washington Streets )

Thanks for helping us work for peace.

Join us at the Johnson County FairMonday through Thursday, July 21 - July 24!

PEACE Iowa will share a booth with Veterans for Peace, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and 100 Grannies! We'll be talking with fair-goers about military spending, climate change, peace, the environment, and other issues that you and other members of these 4 organizations care about.

We think this will be fun (and our booth is near the ice cream booth!). We encourage you to volunteer for a shift. Send your first and second choices to Ann Stromquist at annstromquist [at] gmail.com with your E-mail address and phone number. She will get back to you as soon as possible

It's that time again. Join us as once again the People's Coalition for Social, Environmental & Political Responsibility parades through Coralville this 4th. Every year we have this singular opportunity to remember that working hard to save the world from environmental degradation, violence, and inequity can be lots of fun. It's specially enjoyable since the Yahoo's drumming keeps us and all of Coralville dancing in the streets.

Just a few reminders for our parade entry on Friday, July 4th:

We're Entry #81. The parade starts promptly at 10:00 AM from the Geico Parking Lot in Coralville on Hwy 6. Best to meet up with us by about 9:30 AM to pick up you signs, flags, life-savers, drum or tamborine! It's possible you can park in the lot near Geico if you're there early, but safer to park in the Hy Vee Lantern Park lot and just walk on over. Car pool if you can — then Slide into Coralville! (one of their odder themes, yes)

Bring your sun hats and plenty of sun screen, and a water bottle to carry with you. It can be quite thirst inducing talking and waving to thousands of cheering on-lookers! Then plan to join us as we retire to the local I-Hop for pancakes and great conversation just after the parade.

If you can't walk or ride with us be sure to stand on the curb along the route with friends, neighbors, family and cheer us on! If you can't even do that, at least tell all your friends, neighbors and families to join us or cheer us on!

Bring a friend. Join in on the spirit. Support peace with like-minded folks while enjoying that great Thai cuisine.

As they have at so many such fundraisers at their restaurant, Thai Flavors management will be offering a portion of their profits for the day to benefit PEACE Iowa. Thank you, Nid!

ABDUL FATTAH ABU SROUR — founder and director of Al Rowwad: Pioneers for Life, a world-renowned theater and creative arts society — is on a mission to use art, theater, and music as a creative alternative to destructive violence. His organization seeks to educate and empower the Palestinian people, especially women and children who struggle against despair, to fight dehumanizing stereotypes of the Palestinians in the mass media in Europe and America, and to promote long-term social transformation.

This event is brought to you by People for Justice in Palestine, Iowa City Friends of Sabeel, The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, St. Raphael's Church of Iowa City, Intergenre Explorations Working Group, Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and PEACE Iowa.

For more information, please contact Jason at 338-3290. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please call Julia at 337-9303.

The Nonviolent Life
Talk and Book Signing by Activist, Author and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Father John Dear
Thursday, March 27th7 pm500 North Clinton, Iowa City( Parking is available in the U of I parking lot 24 between Currier Hall and where Fairchild runs into Clinton. )

"How can we become people of nonviolence and help the world become more nonviolent? What does it mean to be a person of active nonviolence? How can we help build a global grassroots movement of nonviolence to disarm the world, relieve unjust human suffering, make a more just society and protect creation and all creatures? What is a nonviolent life?"

These are the questions John Dear — Nobel Peace Prize nominee, author and long-time peace activist — poses in his new book, The Nonviolent Life. John Dear suggests that the life of nonviolence requires three simultaneous attributes: being nonviolent toward ourselves; being nonviolent to all people, all creatures, and all creation; and joining the global grassroots movement of nonviolence.

Fr John will be the Keynote speaker at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference in Washington, DC this week-end. Ecumenical Advocacy is a movement of approximately 60 Christian communities including major religious, justice and peace organizations. The 2014 conference is entitled Jesus Weeps: Resisting Violence, Building Peace.

We are very fortunate to host a speaker such as John Dear so, come, bring a friend and hear John discuss his vision of nonviolence, meet him and purchase a signed copy of the book. Donations are welcome.

Yogi Musician Dada Veda will play his original songs, tell storiesand lead a blissful sing-a-long

Back by popular demand, this brand new Robert Greenwald film examines our increasing use of armed drones, including coverage of US drone use in Pakistan and other countries, and featuring interviews with US officials and family members of civilian victims.

Sponsors: University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Veterans for Peace #161, Johnson County Green Party, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, and PEACE Iowa. This event is free and open to the public. For further information contact: Ed Flaherty (319) 621-6766.

Devotay Fundraiser for PEACE Iowa
Sunday, February 9th
4:00 to 9:00 pm
Devotay is at 117 N. Linn Street, Iowa City
Parking advice: On-street (free on Sundays) or in the lot behind Brewery Square next door. Enter from Market Street & get a code from Devotay in order to exit the lot.

Devotay is a tapas bar & restaurant using local ingredients

Please tell them that you are eating there to support PEACE Iowa. A percentage of their profits for the evening will be donated to us. Devotay advises that it is a good idea to make reservations ahead of time by calling 354-1001

This brand new Robert Greenwald film examines our increasing use of armed drones, including coverage of US drone use in Pakistan and other countries, and featuring interviews with US officials and family members of civilian victims.

The humanitarian crisis in Syria, and for the 2 million Syrian refugees in other countries, is excruciating and in its 3rd year. The Syrian people desperately need our help.

Sponsored by St. Raphael's Orthodox Church, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, Veterans for Peace Chapters #161 & 169, Iowa United Nations Association, Iowa City People for Justice in Palestine, PEACE Iowa, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the UI Arab Student Association.

PEACE Iowa fundraiser at Thai Flavors
Monday, January 27th
Hours are 11:00 to 2:00 for lunch and 5:00-9:00 for dinner
Thai Flavors is at 340 E. Burlington Street, Iowa City
Parking advice: the first hour is free in the Sheraton parking ramp. The Robert E Lee Rec Center parking lot is closest.

Have some delicious authentic Thai food, while supporting PEACE Iowa, which will be receiving a portion of the day's profits.

Please join us for a PEACE Iowa fundraiser at

117 N. Linn St. in Iowa City
Sunday, November 24th4:00 - 9:00 pm

Devotay is a tapas bar & restaurant using local ingredients.

Please tell them that you are eating there to support PEACE Iowa. A percentage of their profits for the evening will be donated to us.Devotay advises that it is a good idea to make reservations ahead of time.

Volunteers Needed on Sunday, Nov 17th at 7 pmin the Common Room at Old Brick — 26 E Market St, Iowa City

PEACE Iowa needs volunteers to cut and put drawstrings into school kits. We also have more bags and more school supplies to sort and pack. They can also use people to help with cutting and sewing as well.

The school kits will be delivered to refugee camps in Jordan by the Mennonite Central Committee. The civil war in Syria has led to 2 million refugees, about half of which are children. The good news is that neighboring countries like Jordan and Lebanon are keeping the borders open and both already have experience dealing with refugees. The bad news is the surrounding countries are being overwhelmed in sheer numbers of refugees — 20% of Lebanon's population is now Syrian. Jordan already has absorbed refugees from Palestine and Iraq and the schools are running two shifts. Half of the refugees are kids. The school kits each contain 8 unsharpened pencils, a box of colored pencils, a ruler, an eraser, and four notebooks.

PEACE Iowa will present and participate in this event organized by the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights to create a plan for the Iowa City community to provide aid to Syrian refugees living in neighboring countries.

Saturday October 19, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
House Concert Fundraiser for PEACE Iowa
At the home of Ann & Shel Stromquist, 316 Myrtle Ave., Iowa City

PEACE Iowa will present and participate in this event organized by the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights to create a plan for the Iowa City community to provide aid to Syrian refugees living in neighboring countries.

Saturday October 19, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
House Concert Fundraiser for PEACE Iowa
At the home of Ann & Shel Stromquist, 316 Myrtle Ave., Iowa City

No sewing experience needed! All ages welcome!
We will sew bags from donated remainder fabric. The bags will later be filled with donated school supplies and sent to refugees—mostly from Syria and Iraq—living in Jordan.

Children are invited to help us pack school supplies into fabric bags to create school kits. The school kits will be sent to refugees—mostly from Syria or Iraq—living in Jordan.

* You may bring school supplies for refugees to events through November 10.

We are inviting people to bring items we still need for school kits for refugees:

Spiral notebooks, 8.5 x 10.5 inches, with approximately 70 sheets

Flat flexible plastic rulers that indicate both 30 cm and 12 inches

Packages of 12 new colored pencils

Please note we cannot accept any school supplies that do not meet those specifications or any other supplies.

Sunday October 6
1:00-1:40 pm Afghan War Observance: 12 years is too long
2:00 Hike to Help Refugees

Afghan War Observance, Sunday, October 6th, 1:00-1:40 pm on the Clinton Street sidewalk at Clinton Street & Iowa Avenue, at entrance to Old Capitol, Iowa City.

The US war in Afghanistan began Oct. 7, 2001. 12 years is too long. The continuation of the war is harmful to the people of Afghanistan and to US citizens. We must honor the dead, and recommit ourselves to peace. We must insist that the US military occupation there end as soon as possible, and in no case later than Dec, 2014.

Donations to Voices for Creative Non-Violence will be accepted for the Duvet Project of the Afghan Peace Volunteers in Kabul. The duvets are made from local materials, provide a modest income to otherwise unemployed local women, and are given away to needy families in Kabul. 2000 were given away last autumn.

Sunday, October 6, 2013, starting at 2:00 pm, at Clinton St, between Old Brick and Daum Dorm, the Iowa United Nations Association is hosting its second annual Hike to Help Refugees. Participants will hike six miles to simulate, on a small scale, the journey refugees endure to seek safety.

Hikers are challenged to raise $50 each. However, a simple donation of $10 for adults or $5 for students will allow a person to participate in the hike. All funds generated from this hike will go directly to the UNHCR campaign to help the refugees in the most need. The funds from this hike will go to Syrian refugees because of the escalating crisis there. A Syrian speaker, and Amy Weismann, the deputy director of the UI Center for Human Rights, will provide brief statements concerning refugees.

PEACE Iowa will have a table at the hike's starting point beside Old Brick. We will be collecting donations of items we still need for our school kits for refugees (mostly from Syria and Iraq) living in Jordan:

Spiral notebooks, 8.5 x 10.5 inches, with approximately 70 sheets

Flat flexible plastic rulers that indicate both 30 cm and 12 inches

Packages of 12 new colored pencils

We will also collect donations for shipping the school kits.

In case of rain, check iowauna.org for any announcement about cancellation.

Hike to Help Refugees is a non-profit entity founded to support the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a two time recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The hike supports the UNHCR in its efforts to serve and protect refugees around the world.

Both of these events are sponsored by PEACE Iowa, Iowa Veterans for Peace Chapter #161, Iowa United Nations Association, and other local groups. For further informationplease contact Ed Flaherty at (319) 621-6766.

Candlelight vigil in Iowa City Sunday, September 8th, 2013to share concern over the proposed military strike against SyriaPhoto by Alesha L. Crews / Iowa City Press-Citizen

12:00-1:00 Enjoy food and music, meet other peace supporters, check out our amazing silent auction
Live music provided by Tim Schulte. Bring food or beverage to share, if possible, but it's not necessary to bring something in order to attend -- there is always plenty of food. Bring your own plate, cup, and silverware, if possible; we will also be providing plates, cups, napkins, and silverware.

1:00-3:00 Program: Meet current Board members, find out what PEACE Iowa has been doing recently, vote for Board members, share your ideas, help us decide how to promote peace in the coming year, find out about upcoming events and projects.

Meanwhile, you can get some great deals and promote peace at our silent auction, which includes an amazing array of donated items and gift cards for items such as a haircut, a book, CDs, artwork, coffee, entertainment, family activities, yoga, food, piano tuning, massage, and much more. These were donated by local artists/writers and businesses such as CSPS, Andy Douglas, Jeff Capps, Starbucks, Iowa Children's Museum, Downward Dog, Beadology, Café del Sol, the Englert, Costco, New Pioneer Co-op, Karmelcorn, and many more.

Pigs and Clover is Matt Kearney and Jamie Kearney. "We write and sing all kinds of songs (love, loss, existential angst, pit bulls...) but the ones we like best speak truth to power, challenge the status quo, and give voice to the voiceless in the great tradition of American protest music."

Ben served in the British Army and had a crisis of conscience
while serving in Baghdad. He refused to continue serving there and
was discharged from the army. After leaving the army he blew the
whistle on British involvement in Extraordinary Rendition and torture
and was subsequently gagged after a secret trial.

Mike was a Royal Navy medic serving in Diego Garcia when he was given
orders to deploy as a combat medic to Afghanistan. He decided to
educate himself about that conflict by reading the Wikileaks Afghan
War Diaries. Disturbed by the huge numbers of civilians killed he
applied for conscientious Objector status. During the process he
refused to carry out rifle training and was sentenced to 7 months in
prison.

Once out of the military, both joined Veterans for Peace London
and both are peace activists, working with the London Catholic Workers and
others in London on the Julian Assange and Bradley Manning support
campaigns.

Both have compelling stories of individual conscience and
conversion from fighting for empire to nonviolently resisting empire.

The PEOPLE's Coalition is on the march!4th of July Coralville parade starts at 10 am

People will be gathering at 9:30. Park at Hy-Vee parking lot in Coralville and come to Geico parking lot to locate entry #83. Carpooling encouraged.

All peace loving, social justice seeking, and environmentally concerned friends are invited. You can ride on bales on a a flat bed or walk. Veterans for Peace, PSR, PEACE Iowa, and other Peace & Justice groups will be represented. We'll carry signs, sing songs distribute literature, have fun, and try to change the world.

COVERING GROUND TO GROUND THE DRONESIowa City stop Friday June 14 to Saturday June 15

FRIDAY JUNE 14 EVENTS:

4:30 Walkers from Voices for Creative Nonviolence, including Kathy Kelly and Brian Terrell, will arrive in Iowa City to attend the Friday vigil4:30-5:00 Vigil at the corner of Clinton & Washington, downtown Iowa City, with focus on protesting drone strikes5:00-5:30 Slow walk from vigil location to Iowa City Public Library5:30 Set up for potluck and speakers in Meeting Room A, Iowa City Public Library6:00 Potluck hosting walkers6:30 (approximately) Speakers: Kathy Kelly, who will have just returned from Afghanistan, where U.S. drones have tragically impacted so many lives; and Brian Terrell, a Voices activist from Iowa, who will have just completed 6 months in prison for nonviolent civil resistance at a drone base.

SATURDAY JUNE 15 EVENTS:

The walkers will set out for their next stop at Kent Park, departure time TBA. They invite others to join them for all or part of the way. Perhaps we can arrange return transportation for those who want to walk just a little ways and then go back to Iowa City. Peace supporters can also join them in the evening at Kent Park. They will be camping there.

MORE INFORMATION:
The group will walk about 190 miles from Rock Island Arsenal (where drone and bomb parts are made and stored) , to the Iowa Air National Guard Facility at Des Moines Airport, planned site of a new drone command center. Please let us know (and we can forward your name to Voices) if you would like to join in for any segment as we all strive to galvanlize public opinion against drone warfare.
The group will be making many stops including:

Iowa City host and local co-sponsors: PEACE Iowa, Veterans for Peace Iowa Chapter 161, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

PEACE Iowa will be hosting a booth about Iran for children at Arts Fest next weekend. Sunday June 9th is children's day at Art Fest, and there is a large Global Village on the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City. Each booth in the Global Village focuses on a different country, and each is sponsored by a local organization. This year, PEACE Iowa is hosting a booth about Iran in order to promote greater cultural understanding and peace between Americans and Iranians. This is a great opportunity for peace education because hundreds of children will attend. At our Iran booth, we will invite children to make drawings and write messages of peace and friendship for children in Iran, which will be translated into Farsi and posted on our web site (if parents sign a permission form).

Please help PEACE Iowa continue our work for peace with Iran, opposing drone warfare, cutting military spending, and other great causes. Join us THIS MONDAY JUNE 10 for a fundraiser at Thai Flavors. All you need to do is show up and order delicious Thai food! Thai Flavors will give PEACE Iowa a portion of all sales that day, and they are always generous.

Learn about and explore implications of the installation of a drone facility in Iowa.

Robert Naiman is Policy Director of Just Foreign Policy and editor of Just Foreign Policy News Summary, president of the Board of Directors of Truthout, and writer of US Foreign Policy for Huffington Post. With Master Degrees in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Naiman has worked as a policy analyst and researcher at the Center for Economic Policy Research and Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch. In October 2012 he participated in a peace delegation to Pakistan where he witnessed the effects of US drone strikes first hand.

This event which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, UI Global Health Club, UI Center for Human Rights, and Iowa Veterans for Peace, and other organizations.

Models of Active Non-Violence

Author Rosalie Riegle book tour for Crossing the Line and Doing Time for Peace

Pax Christi Iowa City and PEACE Iowa will host author Rosalie Riegle at St. Thomas More Church, Coralville, on April 23 as part of her nation-wide book tour. Rosalie interviewed nearly 150 peacemakers who describe how they have said no to war-making in the strongest way possible—by engaging in civil disobedience and paying the consequences in jail or prison. They come from all walks of life, in conventional careers or serving as full-time peacemakers, such as Catholic Workers or War Resisters League. They are lay people in families and communities, priests, nuns, and ministers, people of faith or inspired by those who live by faith.

In their own words, the narrators describe their motivations and their preparations for act of resistance, the actions themselves, and their trials and subsequent jail time.

Rosalie G. Riegle is an oral historian who taught English at Saginaw Valley State University from 1969 to 2003. The author of two books on the Catholic Worker movement, Voices from the Catholic Worker and Dorothy Day: Portraits by Those Who Knew Her, she has raised four daughters and cofounded two Catholic Worker houses in Saginaw, Michigan. She may be reached at (847) 644-2281 or Riegle[at]svsu.edu.

Fundraiser Alert!

From 4:00-7:00 pmon Wednesday April 17thPEACE Iowa will receive a percentageof cupcake sales at Molly's Cupcakes.Here's your excuse to treat yourself while supporting two local organizations.Put this on your calendar!Molly's Cupcakes is at 14 S Clinton St across from the Pentacrest.

Tuesday, April 2nd3:00-7:00 pmat Yotopia, 132 South Clinton Streeton the pedestrian mall across from Old Capitol Mall, corner of Clinton and College

PEACE Iowa will receive a portion of all purchases and 100% of tips during that time. Our volunteers will be present to greet customers, share information about PEACE Iowa, give samples of yogurt to customers who want to try a new flavor, and clean up tables.

PEACE DAY at the Iowa Children's Museum(located in Coral Ridge Mall)
Sunday, April 7th2:00-4:00 pm
Fun peace-related activities for children of all ages

Please note: The usual admission fee is charged for entry into the museum.

PEACE Iowa is involved in an exciting new collaboration with the Iowa Children's Museum, which is part of our Peace Literacy work with youth.
A fabulous group of 7th-9th graders partcipated in our series of Friday evening peace workshops. These 7th-9th graders will present peace activities for younger children in a special event at the Iowa Children's Museum.

Co-sponsored by the NEA Peace & Justice Caucus

Night of 1,000 Dinners

in Celebration of International Women's Day

Thursday, March 7th6pm-7:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
Old Brick Church, 20 E. Market Street, Iowa City

The Iowa United Nations Association is hosting its 11th annual Night of 1,000 Dinners celebration with an international buffet, live Brazilian music, silent auction (benefiting the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women) and keynote speaker Gigi Durham (author of The Lolita Effect). Tickets are $10 student / $20 community.

Leah Bolger, National President of Veterans for Peace and Dan Tallon, a member of VFP Chapter #161, will address the issue of drone warfare. In October, 2012, Leah accompanied 30 others from the US to Pakistan, where they met with family members of drone strike victims and with public officials and activists. The group received much attention from the Pakistani media. The group walked to near the border of South Waziristan, accompanied by thousands of Pakistanis. The group returned to the US with documentation and first-person accounts of being on the receiving end of drone warfare.

Dan Tallon returned to Iowa in August, 2011 after a year in Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard. He was stationed in Eastern Afghanistan near the Khyber Pass. He is a senior at the University of Iowa.

The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) has as its mission the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad through distinguished multidisciplinary leadership in human rights research, education, and public service to The University of Iowa, its surrounding communities, the State of Iowa, and beyond.

Signing this petition is imperative because this collection of signatures will demonstrate to the University of Iowa that the Center for Human Rights is valued and wanted by the students and the surrounding community. Therefore, the University will continue funding the Center and recognizing the importance of Human Rights to the UI campus.

Bells worldwide were rung on the 11th month, the 11th day, at 11 AM, 1918, to celebrate and recognize the ending of WWI, "The war to end all wars." To commemorate that peaceful pledge, bells were rung around the world on November 11 for over 35 years. Congress declared November 11 a holiday in 1938, "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'." In 1954, the 83rd Congress, amended the Act of 1938 by deleting the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."

Too often the rhetoric and patriotic symbols used to praise veterans are also used to justify the wars instead of generating genuine compassion for the extraordinary sacrifices and services of military personnel. And, since the wars of the last 70 years have created more civilian casualties than soldier casualties, Armistice Day is a day to remember all victims of war, soldiers & civilians alike.

Veterans For Peace Chapter #161 is sponsoring an Armistice Day Observance to be held on Sunday, November 11, at the Clinton Street entrance to Old Capitol on the Pentacrest, Iowa City. The observance will begin at 10:30AM, and bells will be rung at 11:00 AM, as they were rung around the world at the end of WWI in 1918 and on each November 11th for decades thereafter. Armistice Day is a day to promote peace and to remember the victims of war, both veterans and civilians.

Veterans from WWII to Afghanistan will speak. Marybeth Gardam of Move to Amend will be a featured speaker, addressing the corrosive influence of corporate dollars in the peace-making process.

25 images on fabric make up the collection, Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan - each depicting an aspect of the impact of the Afghan war on the civilian population caught in crossfire.

The exhibit will be available throughout the month of September at the Coralville Public Library during regular library hours.

Schedule of events

Tuesday, September 4th, 6:30 — Film: Why Are We in Afghanistan? Short film followed by discussion.

Saturday, September 8th, 9:00 am 1:00 or 1:30 pm. Peace Walk. Scattergood Friends School & Farm students and staff will walk from Scattergood School to the Iowa City Ped Mall. All are invited to join them along the way or to greet them as they arrive at the Ped Mall. They will be publicizing the Windows & Mirrors exhibit as they walk.

Sunday, September 9th, 1:00 to 3:30 — Opening Reception. "The Power of One" with Michael McConnell, Director of AFSC Midwest Region, explains the title of his talk: In the exhibit we are surrounded by ones ­ one child, one scream, one kite, one missing baby ­ and that is powerful because many times our understanding of injustice and war comes through the lens of one life. But perhaps the most important one is us ­ what we as one life can do.

Tuesday, September 11th, 6:30 — Film: The Beauty Academy of Kabul

Wednesday, September 12th, 7:00 — "Report from Kabul" with Kathy Kelly, Co-Founder/Co-Coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, will describe her experience working with the Afghan Peace Volunteers in Kabul.

Sunday, September 16th, 12:00 to 3:00 — PEACE Iowa Annual Meeting, potluck followed by a meeting. Michelle Gin will talk about her experience as the sole representative of the United States on an international peace bike tour, riding from Nagasaki to Hiroshima, Japan with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in August.

Monday, September 17th, 7:00 — "Eleven Years is Too Long: Ending the War in Afghanistan" with Diane Randall, Executive Secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), will speak about what we can do to help end the war in Afghanistan.

Thursday, September 27th, 7:00 — "Confronting Nuclear Peril: Hiroshima and Fukushima" with Maureen McCue, John Rachow, and Michelle Gin, who will talk about their recent trip to Japan.

Sunday, September 30th, 1:00 to 3:00 — Facilitated Discussion about Windows & Mirrors to share with one another our thoughts and feelings about what the exhibit and all of the other events meant to us.

The Windows & Mirrors exhibit and programs are free and open to the public. You may call the library at (319) 248-1850 with questions regarding upcoming events. Regular library hours are: Monday through Thursday, 10am to 8:30pm; Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 4pm.

Dr. McCue has traveled and worked extensively as a peace maker, researcher, and physician, and has helped organize many forums on cross cultural, global health, and women's health issues. Maureen will share background of the organizations involved, the vision, rationale and goals for the intertwined events in Japan including the International Peace Bike Tour, ICAN Conference, and IPPNW 20th World Congress.

Michelle Gin was the sole representative of the United States of the 2012 International Peace Bike Tour, cycling 373 miles from Nagasaki to Hiroshima, Japan with 39 other activists from around the world. Michelle will cover the salient points about the nature and perspectives of the international youth on the International Peace Bike Tour and their encounters with various representatives of Japanese society along their route.

Dr. Rachow, the immediate past president of the National Physicians for Social Responsibility, University of Iowa Rheumatologist and Geriatrician, has long been interested in the health risks associated with the development and deployment of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. John will finish with important updates on the continuing struggle around the globe to learn the lessons from Japan and contain the twin threats of nuclear war and nuclear power.

Kathy Kelly to Speak in Iowa City Area

Wednesday, September 12th:
10 to 11:30 a.m. speaking to two classes at Regina High School
11:45 to1:30 a.m. speaking at the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
7 to 8:30 p.m. speaking at Windows & Mirrors, Lower Level of Coralville Public Library

Thursday, September 13th:
Speaking to a UNA group in Pella at noon
6 p.m. speaking to Linn Co. UNA in Cedar Rapids

Since May 2010, she has visited Afghanistan eight times with small delegations intent on learning more about conditions faced by ordinary people in Afghanistan, a country afflicted by three decades of warfare. Voices for Creative Nonviolence has been working closely with the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers in search of non-military solutions to end the war.

During late June and early July of 2011, Kelly, was a passenger on the "Audacity to Hope" as part of the US Boat to Gaza project. She also attempted to reach Gaza by flying from Athens to Tel Aviv, as part of the Welcome to Palestine effort, but the Israeli government deported her back to Greece.

In 2009, she lived in Gaza during the final days of the Operation Cast Lead bombing; later that year, Voices formed another small delegation to visit Pakistan, aiming to learn more about the effects of U.S. drone warfare on the civilian population and to better understand consequences of U.S. foreign policy in Pakistan.

From 1996 — 2003, Voices activists formed 70 delegations that openly defied economic sanctions by bringing medicines to children and families in Iraq. Kathy and her companions lived in Baghdad throughout the 2003 "Shock and Awe" bombing.

As part of its mission to promote integrity, compassion and non-violence, Scattergood Friends School and Farm welcomes the public to join staff and students on a Walk for Peace, Saturday, September 8th at 9 a.m. that begins at its campus in West Branch and ends on the pedestrian mall in Iowa City. The Walk for Peace precedes a reception for Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan that will be held the following day, Sunday, September 9th at Coralville Public Library. Scattergood is one of the sponsors of the month-long exhibition.

About 35 students and volunteers from West Branch and Iowa City participated last year in a peace walk held by Scattergood. Previous walks were held in 1961 and 1986. Individuals and organizations interested in joining this year's walk should contact Christine Ashley, Scattergood Head of School, at head@scattergood.org, or Rüdiger Rückmann, Development Director, at (319) 643-7621 or development@scattergood.org

Scattergood, founded in 1890, is a Quaker-based, college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9 -12. Scattergood has a diverse body of students from the United States and all corners of the globe. The Scattergood campus is located on 1951 Delta Avenue, just outside West Branch, Iowa on over 120 acres of farm and prairie.

JOIN THE ANNUAL PEACE & JUSTICE SECTION OF THE CORALVILLE 4TH OF JULY PARADE!

The Parade leaves promptly from the Geico Insurance Parking Lot on the Coralville strip at 10:00 AM. We don't yet have our number but we've never left the lot much before about 10:40. So, depending on our number I usually say you can arrive safely between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, giving yourself time to locate us, possibly find a seat on the straw, and slather on the sun screen. We'll bring liquids for after the march, but you may want to carry water on you. There are no bathroom breaks from the time you arrive until the parade ends! We'll be passing out a tattoo (2"x2") for the kids that says "Amazing PSR Iowa - building a healthy peaceful world". Best we could come up with given a theme of "Amazing Coralville." Others will carry signs with various messages. We need banner carriers, world and peace flag carriers and people to carry other signs or hand out the tattoos. Please be sure to mark your calendar, and bring along a friend or two. It's always a good time. We adjorn to I-Hop after for the annual pancake breakfast. See you on the 4th.

The workshop will be led by Chris Klug, and includes a presentation and small-group discussion.

It will focus on some of Gandhi's basic ideas and practices for nonviolent reflection and/or action, such as means and related ends, willingness to die, and "opponent" rather than "enemy." Participants will examine how Gandhi's "Constructive Program" was an alternative to the systemic violence of the Indian society of his time. Participants will explore how we can participate in fashioning and supporting nonviolent alternatives to systemic violence today.

The workshlp is free, though donations to PEACE Iowa will be accepted at the workshop.

About the facilitator, Chris Klug: Chris has been on the staff of peace education centers is Richmond, VA and Brookings, SD, and has many years of experience leading groups to India to learn about Gandhi and nonviolence. His most recent trip to India was last summer. He currently is a grief counselor, educator, and consultant in private practice in Iowa City, and teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction at University of Iowa Health Care Education.

According to Dr. James Zogby, escalating rhetoric from all sides in the Gulf conflict poses a danger. "The region is a tinderbox, and it is as if everyone is too busy playing with matches to think of the consequences."

These talks, part of a statewide tour by Dr. Zogby, president of the Arab-American Institute, are open to the public and accessible to all.

...

STOP THE REAPER! END THE WARS!

Brian Terrell discusses his trip to Afghanistan
and his nonviolent resistance to Predator and Reaper Drones

Over the past few years we have witnessed the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles, the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper, to undertake armed attacks around the globe. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia have all been subject to drone strikes by US drones remote controlled from bases in the US, many thousands of miles away.

Drawing on his experiences in visiting Afghanistan and nonviolent resistance to Predator and Reaper drone warfare here in the U.S., Brian Terrell will speak to the urgency of an immediate end to the "war on terror." He will address the social, economic and security costs that U.S. aggression inflicts both on foreign battle fields and on battle fields at home. Brian visited Afghanistan for three weeks in December, 2010, with Voices for Creative Nonviolence and the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers. In January, 2011, Brian and 13 others were convicted of trespass in a Las Vegas court for their protest at Creech Air Force Base, from where unmanned robotic drone aerial raids on Afghanistan are controlled. On December 1, 2011, he was sentenced to ten days in jail for resisting killer drones at Hancock Air Field in Syracuse, New York.

Brian is just back from Bahrain where he was detained and then deported for his participation in a pro-democracy demonstration.

PEACE Iowa will receive a percentage of all proceeds that day. Write a brief letter to congress while you eat your meal. Share your ideas with us about how to prevent war with Iran. Information sheets/talking points will be available, as well as addresses of our congressional delegation. Handwritten letters sent to local congressional offices are given the greatest attention by staffers.

Iowans who plan to vote for peace at the presidential caucuses will hold a Nonpartisan Peace Caucus Training meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 7 p.m., Iowa City Public Library. Sponsored by the Iowa Healthcare Not Warfare Caucus Campaign, the training will focus on caucus procedures at both the Democratic and Republican caucuses to be held on January 3. The Healthcare Not Warfare Caucus Campaign encourages caucus attenders to support delegates at the Democratic caucus who are not yet committed to any presidential candidate, but who support (1) removing all troops from Afghanistan within President Obama's first year in office and (2) the enactment of national health insurance (medicare for all) during President Obama's second term. Others will be in attendance to explain their plans to support a peace candidate at the Republican caucuses. Mark your calendar now!

For more information contact Jeff Cox at <jeffcox[at]inavia.net>.

...

Armistice Day commemoration, November 11th, near the Old Capitol

The Veterans For Peace Chapter #161 is sponsoring an Armistice Day Observance to be held on Friday, November 11th at the corner of Iowa Ave. and Clinton St. on the sidewalk east of the Old Capitol. The observance will begin at 10:30 am and bells will be rung at 11:00 am, as they were rung around the world at the end of WWI in 1918 and on each November 11th for decades thereafter. Armistice Day is a day to promote peace and to remember the victims of war, both veterans and civilians. The entire community is welcome. Co-sponsored by Iowa NEA Peace & Justice Caucus, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and PEACE Iowa. Celebrate and recapture peace on 11/11/11 11:00!

Contact: Ed Flaherty <flahertyem[at]q.com>

Support youth for peace this weekend
PEACE WALK AND RECEPTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WALKERS!
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2011

Theme: Fund education, not war
Organized by Scattergood Friends School (a Quaker high school in West Branch) plus a few other local high school students
LEAVE: 9:00 am from Scattergood Friends School (1951 Delta Ave., a gravel road a few miles east of West Branch)
The route is about 12.5 miles.
ARRIVE: Sometime between 1:00-2:00 at PEACE Iowa (ground floor, Old Brick) for reception

Let's support these students' efforts to highlight the need for peaceful priorities!
OTHERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE WALK, BUT PLEASE USE THE STUDENTS' SIGNS RATHER THAN YOUR OWN, or walk without a sign. We want to amplify the students' voices. The students will be focusing on promoting peace and funding for and access to education for students of every economic and social status.
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WALK, PLEASE WELCOME THE WALKERS WHEN THEY RETURN!

RECEPTION AT PEACE IOWA
12:45 volunteers will bring food, set up, etc.
Reception will beging when the walkers arrive (estimated 1:00-2:00).
We will serve a hearty selection of "finger food" (the walkers will be hungry!).
STUDENT WALKERS WILL DESCRIBE THE ORIGINS AND PURPOSE OF THE WALK.

Rally to End Our War in Afghanistan
Meet at 4:30 PM on Friday, Oct 7that the southeast corner of the Pentacrest (Clinton & Washington).

We will begin a sidewalk march thru the downtown area at 4:45, and will stop at the peace pole area outside of the Iowa City Public Library for music and remarks, then parade back to where we began. Bring your own signs (on topic, please) or borrow some at the site. Drums & bells too. All peaceful folks, families, students, children welcome
Oct 7th marks the beginning of the 11th year of our war in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history.

TEN YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH.

For further information, contact Ed <flahertyem[at]q.com> or phone (319) 621-6766.

PEACE Iowa Annual Meeting, September 10th, 2011

PEACE Iowa First Annual Meeting

Saturday September 10, 2011
City Park
Shelter #8 (an enclosed shelter near the pond in LOWER City Park)
(corner of Dubuque St. & Park Rd in Iowa City, entrance on Park Road)

12:00 Food and music

Live music provided by Loren & Margaret Brumm (members of Acoustic Mayhem)
You are invited to bring food to share, but that is completely optional

1:00 Program

Welcome and introduction

Brainstorming session -- What should PEACE Iowa be doing in the upcoming year?

Nominations and voting for at-large Board members

Presentation of two peace awards

Brief talk by Chris Klug about his recent trip to India to visit a center that implements Gandhi's principles

Wrap-up

We invite everyone to attend! We need your input and involvement to further our work for peace!

At the Coralville July 4th, 2011 parade—Physicans for Social Responsibility, and the unincorporated, informal People's Coalition for Political, Social, and Environmental Responsibility, and Veterans for Peace, PEACE Iowa, and other progressive local groups.

From Physicans for Social Responsibility, and the unincorporated, informal People's Coalition for Political, Social, and Environmental Responsibility, and Veterans for Peace, PEACE Iowa, and other progressive local groups:

JOIN US IN THE CORALVILLE 4th of JULY PARADE
BRING YOUR PEACE SIGNS!
Contact: PEACE Iowa

(Also PEACE Iowa would love it if someone would take photos of the parade for our next newsletter. If you can do that, please just go ahead and take the photos and contact us after the parade. Thanks!)

As usual we'll gather in the Geico/McGregor parking area on the West End of the Coralville strip. The parade takes off promptly at 10 AM. However, if our entry is a high number it can take over 30 minutes to snake around the lot to later entries. It's best under all circumstances if folks are in the lot and getting ready by 9:30 latest. We do not yet know our entry number.

Cliff Missen of the Yahoo drummers will be there, and Steve Fugate, President of I-Renew and Yoderville Bio-Diesel Cooperative has a pickup with a 16' flat-bed trailer which he will furnish for those who are unable to walk the distance.

...

Have a great meal and support PEACE Iowa at the same time!

Dine at Thai Flavors on Monday, June 20, 2011.
Lunch 11 am - 2 pm
Dinner 5 pm - 9 pm
Thai Flavors will donate a portion of all proceeds to PEACE Iowa
Thai Flavors is at 340 Burlington St. They have been great supporters of PEACE Iowa and their food is terrific!
Contact: PEACE Iowa

...

Community Potluck for PeaceSunday, May 15th
1:00 to 3:30 pmSocializing begins at 12:30
Shelter House #3, Upper City Park (near swimming pool)
Sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Iowa Chapter #161
Please bring a dish to share, and your own table service.
Beverages will be provided.
No charge.
Families and friends welcome.

Featuring the leaders of two national peace organizations:
Elliott Adams, President, Veterans for Peace
John Rachow, President, Physicians for Social Responsibility

"Don't Forget Sudan" on Monday, May 2, and Tuesday, May 3
to encourage public discussion and awareness of the current situation in Sudanregarding the referendum and the social and political climate

May 2 a forum will feature University of Iowa students and members of the Iowa City Sudanese community
3:30 to 4:30 pmMeeting Room A, Iowa City Public Library

A dinner will be held May 3
6:30 to 8:30 pmRoom 1117, University Capitol Centre
Keynote address will be by Omer Ismail
For reservations for this event contact Kelsey Kramer at <kelsey-kramer[at]uiowa.edu> or call (319) 384-2208.

Originally from the Darfur region, Ismail fled Sudan in 1989 as a result of his political views and has spent over 20 years working both independently and with international organizations on relief efforts and human rights. He is currently policy advisor for "Enough," a project to end genocide and crimes against humanity.

The UI Center for Human Rights in International Programs, the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, Iowa United Nations Association and PEACE Iowa are event sponsors.

April 30th, 2011 celebration commemorating the signing of the PEACE Iowa Articles of Incorporation

Sponsored by PEACE Iowa, children's messages of Friendship & Peace are being sent back and forth between Iran and Iowa.

Come see some of the art work and messages these children have created!

PEACE Iowa's "Iowa-Iran Cultivating Peace" project is sponsoring a display of art work and messages of peace contributed by Iranian and Iowan children, Iowa City Public Library, 2nd floor display wall, April 4 - April 29.

Messages of Iranian children have been translated from Farsi into English. Messages of Iowa children are translated from English into Farsi and sent to Iran.

ARASERUKA / SOLIDARITY: Reflections on Gender, Health, and Development in Burundi
with Alexandra Douglas
Monday, March 28th7:00 pmRoom A of the Iowa City Public LibraryContact: PEACE Iowa

Ms Douglas works with people who are suffering the consequences of Burundi's 13-year civil war (1993-2006), in one of the poorest urban communities in Burundi. Post-war challenges include extreme poverty, an HIV/AIDS rate estimated at 16%, minimal health care, pervasive sexual violence, food insecurity, lack of potable water, and deep psychological trauma from the war.

Alexndra will speak about a small, community-based clinic operated by the Friends Women's Association, in which a group of women provides comprehensive health care, psychological counseling, individual and community trauma healing, nutritional support, micro-credit loans and women's empowerment programs to other women in their community.

The clinic operates under the belief that where there is health, there is hope. And where there is hope, there is the possibility of long-term peace.

...

State-Wide Peace Rally
Marking the 8th anniversary of the start of the US War on Iraq
Saturday, March 19th

11:30 am to 1:00 pm
At Nollen Plaza, 3rd & Walnut, Des Moines

Why are we continuing the two longest wars in American History? Iowa's cost for the Iraq War for just this year is $490 million.

This rally is in solidarity with national rally in Washington, DC on March 19th, led by the Veterans For Peace, and in solidarity with other US rallies to be held on the 19th

Music by the Raging Grannies
For more info contact: Ed Flaherty 319 621-6766 - <Flahertyem[at]q.com>

Iowa City events on the 19th ...
11:00 am - speakers & music outside Johnson County Courthouse
11:30 am - march to Iowa City Public Library
11:50 am - short Dreamwell Theatre presentation in Ped Mall just south of the ICPL
12:10 pm - closing remarks

At the Courthouse speakers will discuss "War, its costs and what we can Do to stop it." Participants will then march from the Courthouse to the area of the Ped Mall south of the Iowa City Public Library, where the Dreamwell Theatre will present acts 1, 2 & 3 of "Stuff Happens", a play by David Hare, written in response to the Iraq War.

The event is sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Johnson Co. Green Party, PEACE Iowa, International Socialist Organization, Workers International League - Eastern Iowa, & Campaign for a Mass Party of Labor.

People are encouraged to attend any or all event activities. Please note: Individuals with signs targeting any specific religious or ethnic group may be asked to refrain from displaying those signs.

For more info, contact Dawn Jones: 319 646-6712

...

ARMISTICE DAY OBSERVANCE

11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

11:00 AM on November 11th, in front of Old Capitol on the Clinton St. Sidewalk

Bells will ring to remind us of our Desire to hold to a peaceful future
PUBLIC IS INVITED - Gather at 10:45 AM
STAND WITH US FOR HALF AN HOUR TO HONOR AND REMEMBER ALL, VETERANS AND CIVILIANS, WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF WAR

November 11, 1918 was the day "the war to end all wars" ended. Bells were rung worldwide to celebrate. Bell-ringing at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month continued for many years to commemorate peace. In 1938 legislation was passed in this country declaring November 11th Armistice Day, dedicated to world peace.
In 1954, our Congress passed legislation changing the holiday's name to Veterans' Day. Considering that 90% of victims of wars are now civilians, the change of the holiday's name distracts the public from the price of war paid by people other than members of the military. Therefore, we encourage the traditional ringing of bells eleven times at 11 AM on November 11th in honor of Armistice Day, and in honor of peace.
Honor veterans, dead & alive, on the 11th. Remember also all the other victims of war, and let the bells help stir us to find new ways to wage peace.
The names of US armed service members killed in Iraq & Afghanistan will be read, as well as the names of some of the civilians killed in those conflicts. Contact: PEACE Iowa

...

The Iowa City Council acted on a proclamation on the evening of 9/21/2010, at their 7:00 pm meeting.More information at www.peaceday.tv

Proclamation for the International Day of Peace,

September 21

Whereas, the issue of peace embraces the deepest hopes of all peoples and remains humanity's guiding inspiration; and

Whereas, in 1981 the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Peace be "devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples"; and

Whereas, the United Nations expanded the observance of the International Day of Peace in 2001 to include the call for a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, and invited all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day; and

Whereas, there is growing support within our city for the observance of the International Day of Peace, which affirms a vision of our world at peace, and fosters cooperation between individuals, organizations and nations; and

Whereas, global crises impel all citizens to work toward converting humanity's noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future generations,

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Iowa City does hereby recognize and proclaim September 21 as The International Day of Peace.

March 19th vigil commemorating the 7th anniversary of the second US invasion of Iraq—2010